Poughkeepsie cop's death played role in new NY gun law

ALBANY -- A gun-control bill motivated in part by the shooting death of Poughkeepsie Police Officer John Falcone has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The law bars people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from legally buying firearms.

The measure was sponsored in the state Senate by Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, and in the Assembly by Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale.

"With four domestic violence-related deaths in Dutchess County in the past year, I am keenly aware of the need to strengthen the laws to provide further protections to victims of domestic violence," Saland said. "Despite our ongoing efforts against domestic violence, it remains a problem that tragically continues to be too prevalent."

Saland said the new law will provide "much-needed protections to keep firearms from violent criminals and prevent future tragedies."

Falcone was fatally shot in the head on Feb. 18 near the Poughkeepsie train station by Lee Welch of Catskill just moments after Welch shot and killed his wife, Jessica, in a nearby car.

At the time, Mrs. Welch had an order of protection against her husband, who twice had been bailed out of jail while awaiting court action for his alleged offenses.